Isn’t it funny how some of us start conversations with people these days with this question: “What’s Happening?” And then the poor person being asked the question is in the hot seat having to come up with a quick and meaningful answer.
Well, my answer today is: writing is happening in my life. I feel like I’ve been at my computer these last few days since the new year and even before the holidays, almost non-stop. And that’s a good thing.
I gotten myself back into writing small stones, which are a couple of lines about anything. This month I started writing one every day, concentrating on a theme that has to do with something I observe in nature. By the way, I’ve written small stones for years, but recently took a break from them. I’m glad to be back. There’s a Facebook group in case you’re interested in joining in. This month they’re called January resolutions – the name changes every month.
My main project, however, is my new memoir about aging. I wrote a list of thirty topics … [Read more...]

I'm knee deep into poem writing these days. Here's a couple from the first four days of the November 2015 poem a day - PAD - chapbook challenge. I haven't done a careful edit of these yet, but you'll get the idea what I was up against given the prompts. I always enjoy Robert Lee Brewer's prompts. They are designed to stretch our skills and give us a topic we can have fun with - or not.
Day 2
Write a surrender poem. A person can surrender to the authorities or a mob, but people can also surrender to a feeling or to music. Or leftover Halloween candy (at least, my friend has had that problem). I hope you surrender to your poetic impulse.
It was almost 11 pm when he arrived
at Grand Central.
Tall, lean, perfectly quaffed
in a hand-tailored sports jacket.
But not to look too stuffy
he wore it with jeans,
an open collared blue shirt,
polished tan wing tips,
and carried a scuffed old briefcase.
He walked through the station
without looking side to side,
with an air of … [Read more...]

For the last several years I've participated in the Writer's Digest poem a day chapbook challenge in November and April. It is managed by the WD poetry editor Robert Lee Brewer. The prompts are always very interesting. The challenge is work but a lot of fun.
So, in case you'd like to join me, here are Robert's guidelines. Please sign up and you'll receive a prompt from Robert every day from November 1 to November 30. I'll be sharing some my poems here throughout the month.
Here's Robert:
Here are the basics of the November PAD Chapbook Challenge:
Beginning on November 1 (Atlanta, Georgia time), I will share a prompt and poem each day of November on this blog.
Poets are then challenged to write a poem each day (no matter where you live on the planet) within 24 hours (or so) from when the prompt is posted. Don't worry: If you fall behind or start late, you CAN play catch up.
Poets do NOT have to register anywhere to participate. In fact, poets don't even … [Read more...]